Berger switches to Libertarian Party

Published: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:32 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:32 a.m.

New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger is no longer a member of the Republican Party.

Berger submitted an application to the county Board of Elections Thursday afternoon to switch back to the Libertarian Party, according to county spokesperson Charles Smith.

Berger ran for commissioner in 2008 as a Libertarian and lost, but switched to the Republican Party before his successful election in 2010.

Recently, the New Hanover County GOP has spoken out against Berger.

In late March, the local party adopted a resolution "censuring and repudiating the actions of Brian Berger" and echoed calls for his resignation.

Berger could not be reached for comment Thursday morning.

This move also brings up questions regarding Berger's pending removal from the Board of Commissioners.

The commissioners voted to begin the amotion process April 8 – a North Carolina common law practice that deals with a private corporation removing an officer because he was unfit.

In a typical situation if a commissioner steps down or is removed, his or her party has the opportunity to nominate someone to fill the vacancy. But for Berger will this mean the party he was affiliated with during the election or the party at the time of removal?

According to county Elections Director Marvin McFadyen, it would still be up to the Republican Party to put forward a new candidate.

"The party controls the seat. It's the nominating party that gets it not matter what party the candidate affiliates themselves with," he said. "Libertarians weren't even on the ballot, so they don't really have a right to that seat."

The commissioners don't have to accept the party's recommendation. They can bring forward their own choice to fill the spot for the remainder of Berger's term.

<p>New Hanover County Commissioner <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9976"><b>Brian Berger</b></a> is no longer a member of the Republican Party.</p><p>Berger submitted an application to the county Board of Elections Thursday afternoon to switch back to the Libertarian Party, according to county spokesperson Charles Smith.</p><p>Berger ran for commissioner in 2008 as a Libertarian and lost, but switched to the Republican Party before his successful election in 2010.</p><p>Recently, the New Hanover County GOP has spoken out against Berger. </p><p>In late March, the local party adopted a resolution "censuring and repudiating the actions of Brian Berger" and echoed calls for his resignation.</p><p>Berger could not be reached for comment Thursday morning. </p><p>This move also brings up questions regarding Berger's pending removal from the Board of Commissioners.</p><p>The commissioners voted to begin the amotion process April 8 – a North Carolina common law practice that deals with a private corporation removing an officer because he was unfit.</p><p>In a typical situation if a commissioner steps down or is removed, his or her party has the opportunity to nominate someone to fill the vacancy. But for Berger will this mean the party he was affiliated with during the election or the party at the time of removal?</p><p>According to county Elections Director Marvin McFadyen, it would still be up to the Republican Party to put forward a new candidate.</p><p>"The party controls the seat. It's the nominating party that gets it not matter what party the candidate affiliates themselves with," he said. "Libertarians weren't even on the ballot, so they don't really have a right to that seat."</p><p>The commissioners don't have to accept the party's recommendation. They can bring forward their own choice to fill the spot for the remainder of Berger's term. </p><p>Berger's first term on the board ends in 2014. </p><p>Ashley Withers: 343-2223</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @AshleyWithers</p>